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Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Episcopal Bishops OK Trial Gay Blessing, Transgender Ordination

Continuing its divorce from Gospel values and descent to irrelevance, the Episcopal Church USA is on its way to permitting the ordination of your family dog.

The Rev. Carla Robinson, a transgender priest and deputy from the
Diocese of Olympia, addresses the House of Deputies July 9 during their
debate on gender identity and the rights of transgender people. ENS
photo/Matthew Davies

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Episcopal bishops approved an official prayer
service for blessing same-sex couples Monday at a national convention
that also cleared the way for transgender ordination.

At the Episcopal General Convention in Indianapolis, the House of
Bishops voted 111-41, with three abstentions, to authorize a provisional
rite for same-sex unions for the next three years. The liturgy next
goes to convention's deputies for their authorization.

In a separate vote Monday, the full convention approved new
anti-discrimination language for transgendered clergy candidates and
church members. Some dioceses already ordain transgendered people or
elect them to positions of parish leadership. However, advocates for the
amendment argued they needed an explicit statement of acceptance as the
churchwide policy.

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